Church, city consider property swap

West University Place city officials and representatives from the West University Baptist Church are considering swapping several plots of land owned by the two entities.

The possibility comes as they both tackle independent master planning projects and possible future expansion plans in land-locked West U.

The city owns property directly behind West U Baptist church, bordered by Amherst, Milton and College streets. West U Baptist owns several lots on the south side of Amherst, adjacent to West U City Hall and the police station, and on the north side of Milton. By doing some swapping, the city and the church would be able to expand contiguous to their current facilities, said City Manager Michael Ross.

You dont get this type of opportunity often in the history of cities, Ross said. It just makes sense to look into it and see if by some miracle, some sort of swap or exchange of monies makes sense.##M:(full story)##

Ross called the citys talks with West U Baptist officials thus far very preliminary.

We have no idea what it might look like, he said. Everythings very open at this point. Were just examining whether this might benefit (both of us) and save the city and the church some money.

Roger Patterson, associate pastor at WUBC, said there is no agenda to the talks except to see if a swap would benefit both parties.

Our thinking is that in the long-term scenario, wouldnt it be beneficial to everyone if this was at least examined? Patterson said. Now, with both of us considering our strategic planning, there is a unique window of opportunity to look into this.

Because the church added more than 200 new members last year to a congregation thats growing by 12 percent annually, church leaders have their eye on expansion, though there are no set plans yet.

Its really too early to say, Patterson said. Were not desperate for space in the terms that we cant function. But because the land in West U is so limited, and its such a commodity, you have to be forward thinking. Youve got to get creative.

If we could get all our buildings on a strip of land, thats a good way to utilize (the space), he said. It makes more sense to have properties that are connected than ones that are disconnected.

Ross said another possibility is that the city and the church could utilize the same piece of property because the two operate on different schedules peak business time for the city is weekdays, while the churchs main operations occur on the weekend.

Currently, the city utilizes a church-owned parking lot during the week for public works department vehicles.

Similar opportunities could be explored for the other properties, Ross said. If theres a way we can combine a use (for a property) without duplicating a use, then thats something you have to look at.

In that scenario, each entity would retain ownership of its properties.

I dont see co-ownership as a possibility, Patterson said.

Any deal thats made will have to be financially beneficial to both parties, Ross said.

He dismissed the idea of conflict of interest for either side.

Its always challenging when churches and cities are working together, but we have always had a great working relationship, he said.

Patterson said, West U is a community of neighbors. We have the opportunity to set the example and the tone for others and be good neighbors.